bader



March 27, 1928. 1,664,343

J. BADER EXTENS ION TABLE Filed July g9, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet l .40 2' 50:21? z? whim x2 32 30 1 ll V/////////A4V/////////////////////////.I //////A I March 27, 1928.

J. BADER EXTENSION TABLE Filed July 29. 1925 3 Shets-Sheet 3 QQN i l 1 F I I l I I I I I I l I I I I I l I I I l l l ll l',664,343 J. BADER EXTENSION TABLE Filed July 29, 1925 3 Sheets-$heet 5 March 27, 1928.

Patented Mar. 27, 1928.

PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN BADER, OF HAMPTON, VIRGINIA.

. EXTENSION TABLE.

Application filed July 29, 1925. Serial No. 46,873.

This invention relates to that type of tables which includesa plurality of leaves which may be manipulated to form, at will, a large table surface or which may be disposed of so as to reduce the effective table surface to a normal minimum.

At the very out-set, it may be stated that extension tables are generally well known and that many structural embodiments have been heretofore used or proposed.

It is an object of this invention to pro vide an extension table which with a relatively small number of parts affords a large change as to size.

Another objectis to provide a table of the character described that permits several stages of extension Without the necessity of auxiliary le s.

Another object is to provide an extension table permitting several extensions in which all the parts are so related that the table, whether extended or contracted, is as solid and firm as an ordinary table having no movable parts.

Other objects will clearly appear from the description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

The invention is not to be found so much in radically new parts as rather in the specific correlationship of various boards or leaves. and means for bringing them into and out of definite positions, aswill be more particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the table in normal or nnextended position;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the table in a. partly extended condition, the legs being broken away;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of, the table in the condition of extension shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 a section on line 4l-4l, Fig. 3.;

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the table in a different extended condition;

Fig. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view on line 7-7, Fig. 6; and I Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are transverse sections on lines 88, 9-9 and 10-40, Fig. 7.

Having reference to Fig. 1, the table ac (oi-ding tn the invention has 'four legs 10* and 10*, a top board or leaf 11 defining the exposed table surface in contracted condition; and two sets of leaves 152 and 12", as one group and 13 and 13 as a second group. As clearly appears, these two groups of leaves are symmetrically disposed relatively to each other and to the board 11 and cooperate with the latter to define a single unitary construction of solid design and ruggedness. All the leaves constitute essential parts in the make-up of the table from the standpoint of construction as well as from the standpoint of ornamental value.

It may be stated here that each pair of legs can take part in one extension movement, independently of the other pair. There may be four separate and distinct stages of extension, two on each side of the transverse center line of the table.

Figs. 2, 3 and 4 represent the table as the result of one step of extension at each side otthe transverse center line, while Figs. 5, 6 and 7 represent it as the result of two steps of extension on the same side.

The principal structural parts acting as supports are two groups. of rigidly interconnected elements. One group comprises the legs 10 one end piece 14, similar side pieces 1d", a cross piece 15 interconnecting the same and two slide guide members 16. The second group comprises the legs 10", an end piece 17", similar side pieces 17, a cross piece 19 interconnecting the same and two slide guide members 20.

The two groups of elements just described are interconnected for sliding movement relatively to each other by means of a pair of slide guide members 2].. The n'iembers 21 have undercut grooves co-operating with corresponding tongues 22 on the guide members l6 and 18, respectively. Thus, the two groups of elements may be moved relatively to each other in the direction of the length of the table and this movement is prin'iarily instrumental in effecting one or two stages of extension, according to whether only one of the groups is moved or both groups are simultaneously drawn away from each other.

The slide guide members 16 and 20 and the slide guide members 21 are relatively heavy and of well seasoned stock and'the tongues are of relatively large cross-section so that bers 16 and 20, on the other side avoids play and undesirable wobbling.

At the free ends of the members 16 and. 20 are provided stops 23cO-Operatin-gwith similar stops 24 adjacent the center of the members 21 to limit the extension movement.

The opposite side pieces 14 and 17 are normally kept in alignment by means of-pins 25 on one piece fitting into corresponding bores in the opposing piece.

The guide members 21 are rigidly connected to a eross piece 27 which is intercon-i needed with the main table board 1.1 so as to allow the latter to move away from it in vertical direction but prevent relative n'iovement laterally and lengthwise of the table. To this end the board 11 is provided with projections .28 movable into andout of corresponding recesses or apertures in the cross piece 27, as shown in Fig. 9. The'relative movement in vertical direction isrestrained by a spring 30 hearing against the underside of the cross piece 27 and supported by a stud 31 extending from the under side of the board 11 through a hole in .the cross piece 27, as clearly shown in Fig. 9. As a matter of expedience, I do not provide the projections 28 and the stud '31 directly on the board 11, but on a. separate strip 32 which is secured to the board 11. The projections are preferably slightly tapering so as to avoid binding. The strip 32 preferablyv terminates inwardly .of the lateral edges of the board 11 and the cross ,piece 27 is made correspondingly thicker at its ends so that the strip 32 normally rests in a saddle-like depression of the cross piece-as clearly shown in Figs. 9 and 10. However, this feature is of minor importance.

The leaves 12 and 12 are connected with the guide members 16 and 20, respectively, so as to move with the latter. The connection, however, is such that the leaves 12 and 12 may be moved relatively to the guide members. This connection. which is shown in Fig. 7, includes a cam slot 33 011 each of the guide membens 16 and a cam slot 34 on each of theguidc members 20. From the thickened end of the leaves'12" and -12",de-

pend lugs 35 and 36, respectively, each of wlnch carries a ournal 37 for eo-operation with the cam slots.

The leaves 13 and 13 carry on their lower surfaces joist-like supports 10, the width of upper edges are horizontal. The cross pieces 14* and "17haveslots 41, the bottoms of 423, preferably of *metal.

nee- 343 which are correspondingly inclined to form slideways for the supports 40, as indicated in Fig. 7. On the under side of the supports are provided stops 42 for limiting the extension movement.

The leaves 12 and 12 are their inner thickened edges with projections extend toward the transverse center line of 'thetable and their upper surfaces are disposed below the upper surface of the leaves '12 and 12, so that when the latter are ex tended, the main board 11 rests thereon, as

The leaves indicated in Figs. 2, 3 and 4. 12 and 12 also carry at their inner edges at the bottom oi. the thickened portion thereof lugs 4 4 for supporting the'inner edge of the leaves 13 and 13, when the latter are in unextended position below the leaves 112 and 12". j I

The operation is as follows:

When it is intended to effect the first extension at both ends, it is necessary to first take a hold on the end pieces 14* and 17? or any other part of the structure with which the legs are connected and pull in opposite provided at 7 These projections directions until the stops 23 and 24 coming into contact with each other "prevent further movement. Then the two ,pairs of leaves 12 and 13 on the one side, and 1.2 and 13", on the other side, are pulledasunits; Thereby the pins 37 are jfo'rced to ride up the inelined portions of the cam slots 33 and 34; and then along the horigontal portion of the cam slot. lV'henthe movement of the legs has reached its limit, the leaves 12 and 13 or 12" and 13 asa unitare still below the a mainboard 1'1 and a short distance inwardly of the outer edge thereof. Movement of the leaves 12 and 12 relatively to the guide members 16 and 20 forces theleaves 12 and 12 upwardly. \Vhile the inner end of'the upper leaf 12 or 12 is raised by the cam slot connection, the louter end'is correspondingly raised by the end surface of the. supports 40 which defines in fact a cam surface il-(ll cooperating with the inclinedbottoms of the slots .41, as clearly shown in Fig. 7 and Fig. 4. \Vhen the pins 37 havei'eachedthe upper end of'the inclined portion of the cam slot. the leavcs"12 and 12 have been lifted a distance equal to the thickness of theleaves and when the inner edges of the leaves have cleared the outer edges of the main board 11, the latter which was forced upwardly against the tension of spring 30'by the upward movement of the leaves 12 and .12", snaps back and comes to restnpon 'th e projections 48. so that the upper surfaces ofrthe board 11. and of the leaves 12 and 12 are in the same plane, as indicated Fig. 2.

In this position the leat es 13 and 13" are confined "below the leaves l2 'and 12" and. but for the lines ofseparation, appear as single elements. The inner ends of the leaves 13 and 13" rest on the lugs 1 1, as previously explained, and the inner ends of the leaves 12 and 12 firmly rest by means of the pins 37 in the horizontal portions of the cam slots 33 and 34. The outer ends of the leaves 12 and 12 rest upon the leaves 13 and 13 which in turn are firmly supported through the joist-like supports 40 upon the end pieces 1 1 and 17 a respectively. The inclination of the lower edges of the supports 10 is so chosen that in their position at the end of the first extension stage the outer ends of the leaves 12, 13 and 12 13", have been raised the same distance as the inner ends thereof have been raised by means of the cam slots 33 and 3 1. Thus, the leaves 11, 12 and 12 define a single top surface and at the same time all. parts are firmly supported, the center portion being supported, as previously pointed out, upon the members 21 which together with the members 16 and 20 form in effect a single rigid supporting structure. The outer edges of the main board 11, since they rest upon the projections 13, which are a part of the leaves 12 and 12*, are of course as solidly supported as the leaves 12 and 12 The depending lugs 35 and 36 are of metal and of such strength as to safely support the load imposed upon them. The spring 30 exerts pressure upon the main board 11, which in turn bears through projections 43 upon the leaves 12 and 12.

The table, after the first bilateral exteusion, is in effect just as solid a table as before the extension. The only apparent difference is the different spacing of the legs.

\Vhile for the sake of completeness, the simultaneous extension at both ends has been particularly described, one end alone may be extended, while the other end may be left in the original condition. The only apparent difference, again, is the different spacing of the legs.

To further extend the table at one orboth ends, it is merely necessary to pull either one or both of the leaves 13 and 13 until they are, or either one of them is, in abutting relation to the'leaves 12 and 12 or either one of them. The leaves 13 and 13 can be moved until the stops 42 strike against the end pieces 14 and 1'7 or rather against a metal stop plate thereon. l/Vhen this position is reached the inner ends of the leaves have just cleared the outer ends of the leaves 12 and 12*, which during the movement have been raised at their outer ends in proportion to the inclination of the supports 40 and snap back and come to rest upon the supports 40. The inner edges of the leaves 13 and 13 are thus in absolute alignment with the outer edges of the leaves 12 and 12 and the outer ends of the leaves 3 and 13 have been raised exactly to the level at which the leaves 13 13 are in the same plane as the leaves 12*, 12 and the main boardll.

The outer ends of the leavesare now sup ported by the supports 1O just the same as before, with the difference, however, that the leaves 13* and 13 are disposed entirely outside the outlines of the main supporting frame defined by the legs and associated supporting elements. The problem of static strength and rigidity of construction, however, is taken care of by means of the en" gagement of the inner ends of the supports 40 with the thickened portions of the leaves 12 and 12". The recessed portions of the supports 10 bear upwardly against the thickened portions of the leaves 12 and 12. Since these portions are firmly locked against vertical movement in either direction because of the engagement of the pins 37 in the horizontal portions of the cam slots 33 and 34;, the rearends of the supports are securely fixed. The supports, thus being securely supported at their ends and, intermediate their ends upon the end pieces 1 1 and 17, afford a rigid and strong support for the leaves 13 and 13". The recesses- IO are provided to allow the upper edge of the supports 40 to assume a true horizontal position. The leaves 12 and 12", due to the co-operation of the pins 37 and the cam slot, have a sufficient pivotal move ment at their inner ends to yield to the upward motion caused by the rise of the leaves 13 and 13" incident to their outward move ment.

In the above, I have made reference to thickened ends of the leaves 12 and 12 In practice I secure to the under side of the leaves 12 and 12 a separate strip of strong material which may be metal, if desired. This would be of particular advantage as the projections 43 and at may be formed as integral parts thereof. There is considerable latitude in this respect.

In the foregoing I have described the normal operation of obtaining separately or simultaneously four different extensions from a minimum to a maximum. It should be noted, however, that the leaves 13 and 13 may be separately drawn out while the other parts of the (able remain as shown in Fig. 1.. However, in that case, the upper surfaces of the leaves 13 and 13" are not iush with the surface of the main board 11. For many purposes this mode of extension has great advantages.

I claim:

1. In an extension table, the combination of a main table board defining the normal table surface, a supporting frame divided in two sections substantially along the transverse center line thereof, means for slidably interconnecting the two sections including a pair of slide'guides forming part of one section, a pair of slide guides forming part Aft a.

one slide guide on the other section, re-

silient means connecting the main table r board to the supporting frame independently of the relative sliding movement of the two sections, a pair of extension leaves normally disposed in superposed relation between the supporting frame and the main table board on one side of the transverse center line'thereof, the upper one of said leaves being connected at its inner edge to the pair of slide guides forming part of the supporting frame section, and means perinit'ting limited movement of the said upper leaf in vertical direction away from the frame.

2. An extension table according to claim 1, wherein the said upper leaf is connected to the pair of slide guides forming part of the supporting frame section on which the leaves are supported, the connection includ ing pins on the leaf and cam slots on the slide guides, the cam slots rising from'a lowor level outwardly toward the end of the table and terminating in horizontal portions.

3. In an extension table the combination of a. main table board defining the normal table surface, a supporting frame divided in two-sections substantially along the trans verse center line thereof, means for slidably interconnecting the two sections, including apair of slide guides on each section, a pair of extension leaves normally in superposed relation between the supporting frame and the main table board on one side of the transverse center line thereof, the upper one of said leaves having adjacent its inner edge a depending portion forming an abutment for the lower leaf and a connection between the upper leaf adjacent its inner end and the pair of slide guides on the section on which the leaves are supported, said connection permitting vertical movement of the upper leaf relatively to the supporting frame.

l. An extension table according to claim 3 inciuding a pair of joist-like supports secured to the under side of the lower leaf and extending a distance inwardly of the inner edge thereof so that when the lower leaf is extended relatively to the upper leaf and in abutting relation therewith, the inner ends of the joist-like supports bear upwardly against the depending portion of the upper leaf, the joist-like supports being in sliding engagement with the supportingframe.

5. An extension table accordingto claim 3 including a pair of joist-like supports secured to the under side of the lower leaf and extending a distance inwardly of the inner edge thereof so that when the lower leaf is extended relatively to the upper leaf and in abutting relation therewith, the inner ends of the joist-like supports bear upwardly against the depending portion of the upper leaf,the joist-likesnpports having inclined l w r edge ing f m the in e ends toward their outer ends and being in sliding engagement with the supporting frame. I v

An extension table according to claim 3 including a pair ofjoist-like supports secured to the under side of the lower leaf and extending a distanceinwardly of the inner edge thereof so that when the lower leaf is extended relatively to the upper leaf and in abutting relation therewith, the inner ends of the joist-like supports bear upward ly against the depending portion of the upper leaf, the joist-like supports having inclined lower edges rising from their inner ends toward their outer ends and being in sliding engagement with the, supporting frame, and the lower edges being partly cut away at their inner ends to define seats bearing against the said depending portion of the upper leaf. i

7. in an extension table, the combination I of a supporting frame including the legs, divided in two sections substantially along the transverse center line, means for slidably interconnecting the two sections, in-

and a separate pairof slide guide members interposed between and in. sliding contact with one slide guide on each sect on, re-' eluding a pair of slide guides on each section V tion forming an abutment for the lower leaf,

and joist-like supports secured to the under side of each lower leaf, said joist-like supports being .of such length that the inner ends thereof bear upwardly against the said depending portions when the lower leaves areextended and in abutting relation to the upper leaves, the connection between the up per leaves and the slide guides, permitting vertical movement of the former relatively to the latter. r

8. An extension table according to claim 7, including stops on the slide guides, the slide guide members and the joist-like supports for limiting the extension movements.

9. In an extension table, the combination of a main table board defining the normal table surface, a supporting frame divided in two sections substantially along the transverse center line thereof, means for slidably interconnecting the two sections, a pair of extension leaves normally disposedin superposed relation between the supporting frame and the main table board on one side joist-like elements extending from the inner 0f the transverse center line thereof, the upedge of the lower leaf, constructed and arper one of said leaves being connected to one ranged to upwardly bear against the upper 10 section of the supporting frame and movleaf when the lower leaf is extended and in 5 able therewith and the lower one of said abutting relation to the upper leaf.

leaves being freely movably relatively to the In testimony whereof, I affix my signature. supporting frame and the upper leaf and JOHN BADER. 

